Storm King & Cold Spring Day Tour | Kids 50% Off

A Scenic Day from Brooklyn: Exploring Storm King & Cold Spring

If you’re hankering for a day trip that combines art, nature, and charming small-town vibes, this Storm King & Cold Spring tour offers a well-balanced escape from the city. Starting early in Brooklyn for a 9 to 11-hour adventure, you’ll visit the expansive Storm King Art Center, home to impressive large-scale sculptures set against rolling hills, and end your day wandering through Cold Spring, a picturesque town with mountain trails, riverside views, and cozy streets. For $94 per person, with kids half-price in July and August, it’s an excellent choice for families, art lovers, or anyone craving a scenic getaway.

What we particularly like about this tour is the blend of outdoor art and a quaint town experience—you get both breathtaking visual stimulation and authentic local flavor. Plus, the bilingual guides sharing lively stories in English and Chinese add a welcoming, educational touch that enriches the journey. Another highlight is the complimentary snacks and unlimited bottled water, keeping everyone refreshed without the worry of pricey city café stops.

However, one thing to consider is the long day—with about 4-5 hours on the road, plus stops, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full schedule and plenty of walking. The tour’s schedule is tightly packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might find the itinerary a bit rushed. Still, if you’re eager to see a stunning sculpture park and explore a charming historic town in one day, this trip hits the spot.

This tour is especially ideal for families looking for value, art enthusiasts wanting to see outdoor sculptures, and outdoor lovers interested in mountain trails and riverside vistas. It’s a compelling package that combines culture, nature, and scenic beauty, making it a memorable day out with plenty of Instagram-worthy moments.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary of outdoor sculpture art and charming small-town exploration
• Family-friendly with kids’ discounts and engaging bilingual guides
• Value-packed with snacks, water, and exclusive keepsakes included
• Seasonal highlights with adventurous and playful activities for all ages
• Long but rewarding day with scenic drives and in-depth stops
• Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance

An In-Depth Look at Your Day Trip

This tour begins bright and early at 6:30 a.m., giving you plenty of time to travel from Brooklyn to the Hudson Valley. The first stop is the Storm King Art Center, a sprawling 500-acre open-air museum, where art and nature merge seamlessly. You’ll encounter large-scale sculptures—think towering metal figures and abstract shapes—set amidst fields, woodlands, and lakes. The experience of wandering through this outdoor gallery provides a feeling of freedom that indoor museums simply can’t match.

The artworks at Storm King, created since 1960, are displayed under the open sky, allowing you to appreciate them in natural light, surrounded by New York’s lush countryside. One reviewer mentions that, despite a rainy day, “it was still an incredible experience,” highlighting the resilience of outdoor art viewing even in less-than-perfect weather. While admission to Storm King isn’t included in the tour, the experience itself is worth the ticket price, especially considering the scenic setting and impressive sculptures you’ll see.

After about three hours here, the group moves to Cold Spring, a town that feels like stepping into a storybook. Once an industrial village, Cold Spring retains its historic charm with well-preserved buildings, boutique shops, and eateries lining its main streets. You’ll have about two hours to enjoy mountain trails, riverside views, and quaint cafés. It’s a perfect spot to stretch your legs, take photos, or grab a local snack.

The tour concludes with a leisurely drive back to Brooklyn, allowing for ample time to process your day and enjoy the scenic views along the way. The entire experience, including travel, stops, and breaks, rounds out to about 9 to 11 hours, making it a full but fulfilling day.

Transportation and Group Size

Traveling in professional vehicles ensures comfort, and with a maximum group of 55 travelers, the tour maintains a friendly, lively atmosphere. The vehicle is selected based on the number of guests, which helps keep the ride comfortable, whether it’s a smaller van or a larger coach. The tour is designed to be accessible for most travelers, with guidelines for children, pregnant women, and those with disabilities, provided prior arrangements are made.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price of $94, you receive unlimited bottled water, snacks, and an exclusive travel keepsake—a custom passport to collect stamps at various tours, culminating in an annual gala for those with ten stamps. The bilingual guides add a lively element, sharing stories and humor along the way, which greatly enhances the experience.

Not included are personal expenses, meals, and special attraction admissions—so if you wish to visit Storm King’s sculptures, you’ll need to buy tickets separately. Still, the overall value remains high given the scenic beauty and cultural richness packed into a single day.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an adventurer at heart, eager to see outdoor art and charming towns, this trip offers a taste of both worlds. Families will appreciate the kids’ discount, the engaging guides, and the opportunity for children to enjoy playful highlights. Art lovers will enjoy the vast Sculptures set in natural landscapes, while outdoor enthusiasts will relish the mountain trails and riverside views. It’s a flexible, well-organized day that rewards curious travelers with beautiful vistas, cultural discovery, and a sense of genuine exploration.

FAQs

• How long is the total duration of the tour?
  The whole trip lasts about 9 to 11 hours, including travel time, stops, and breaks. Expect a full day away from Brooklyn.

• Are meals included?
  No, meals are not included. However, snacks and bottled water are provided, so you can stay energized. You might want to bring your own lunch or plan to buy something in Cold Spring.

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  Yes, children are welcome, and kids in July and August get a 50% discount. The tour is family-friendly, and the guide’s lively storytelling keeps kids engaged.

• What should I wear?
  Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended, especially for walking around Storm King and hiking the trails in Cold Spring.

• Can pregnant women join?
  Pregnant women up to 24 weeks are welcome, but it’s best to consult your doctor beforehand due to the long day and outdoor activities.

• What if the weather is bad?
  The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Rain or shine, the sculptures at Storm King tend to look beautiful in all conditions.

Final Thoughts

This Storm King & Cold Spring day tour offers a well-rounded escape filled with artistic grandeur, scenic beauty, and quaint town charm. It’s perfect for those who want a manageable, engaging day out that avoids the hustle of New York City, yet still captures the essence of the Hudson Valley. The inclusion of bilingual guides, snacks, and keepsakes adds a personal touch that makes it more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a memorable experience designed for curious, nature-loving explorers.

While it’s a long day, the richness of the landscapes, artworks, and small-town atmosphere make it worth every minute. It’s especially suited for families, art aficionados, and outdoor lovers eager to see some of New York’s most beautiful scenery without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. If you value quality over quantity, and immersive, authentic experiences, this tour will leave you with plenty of stories—and great photos—to share.

Whether it’s your first visit or a repeat trip, this day promises a genuine taste of the Hudson Valley’s outdoor art and charming small-town life, all within a comfortable and organized package.